Senior UK judges warn terror laws will dilute judicial power, undermine democracy News
Senior UK judges warn terror laws will dilute judicial power, undermine democracy

[JURIST] In a backlash against recent proposals for sweeping changes to Britain's terror laws [JURIST report], senior judges in the UK have warned lawmakers that they will stand against any move to undermine their independence in an effort to ensure a democratic society. Their uncompromising stance comes after a series of clashes stemming from accusations made by British politicians. Tory leader Michael Howard [official website] Wednesday accused judges of aggressive judicial activism and urged courts not to interfere with terror laws [JURIST report]. Tony Blair had earlier warned that he would renounce part of the European Convention on Human Rights [JURIST report] and fight against courts that might attempt to block the deportation of Islamic extremists. Lord Carlile of Berriew, a deputy High Court judge, warned that it would be "foolish" to meddle with judicial authority, saying judges could strike back if their historic independence is threatened. The Independent has more.

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